Controller sets the Legislature straight

This editorial page was troubled by Controller John Chiang’s willingness to use his power over state employees’ paychecks to impede Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s efforts to deal with the perpetual budget crisis by furloughing workers, or by temporarily reducing their pay when the fiscal year began without an approved budget, moves that were in accordance with established case law. It seemed more a power grab than a judicious use of authority.

But we applaud Chiang’s decision to warn state lawmakers that he will not wait for the courts to decide if they attempt to do an end run around the plain meaning of Proposition 25. The measure, adopted by state voters in November, says that if the Legislature doesn’t adopt a budget by the constitutional deadline of June 15, lawmakers will permanently forfeit their salaries and $142 daily expense checks until a budget is in place.

A lawyer for the state Senate had concluded that a budget resolution passed in March satisfied the Proposition 25 mandate even though it had a multibillion-dollar deficit. Chiang’s attorneys, however, say the March resolution doesn’t qualify because of Proposition 58, a 2004 measure that requires a budget bill to be balanced.

We hope this proves to be the shove needed to finally get a legitimate budget passed on time. Legislators, get to work.